Day 17: Peace
John 14:27
“Can I not just have a moments peace?!”
You may have uttered this very phrase or maybe you will do before the morning’s out!
Whether it’s the pressures of homeschooling, working from home or younger children who just want to follow you everywhere and enquire about everything!
Peace can be an illusive companion!
We can often think very simplistically about peace, in terms of the absence of conflict, noise, distraction, stuff, stress, responsibility, children even! Maybe it’s an escape from a present reality, the removing of trouble or even a denial of reality.
However, Jesus’ promise of peace isn’t simply about burying our head in the sand and being transported to another (peaceful) reality. It’s something far greater and much more powerful.
We’re looking today at John 14:27 and the words of Jesus himself.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Let’s look at the context into which Jesus speaks these words. Jesus is with his disciples in some of the final moments before his death. He knows what is ahead; the cross. He’s also just watched His betrayer, Judas, confirm what he’s about to do and walk out the door. The final moments before Jesus’ death are being played out and into these circumstances Jesus says “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
‘Do not let your heart be troubled’ – how many times have we let ourselves be troubled? In the midst of all our stuff, mess, pain, conflict, the distraction, Jesus offers us His peace.
I know that from my own experience and also knowing some of the stories of people within our Church and their experiences, in those times where we are full of anguish and despair, God’s peace, ‘which transcends all understanding’ (Philippians 4:7), can be a source of great comfort, hope and confidence.
His peace in the midst of the storm.
As we draw closer to Jesus, we can experience His supernatural peace in whatever situation we are facing.
Prayer
Lord, sometimes I don’t understand what I’m facing but I know you’re near. Your peace is here. Guide me into your way of peace today.
At the time of writing this devotion, there has been so much already spoken about the peace. Ps Ben’s message on Sunday was entitled ‘The Promise of Peace’ so if you’ve not heard it yet, go have a listen!
Ps Jonny Foster
Campus Pastor, Barnard Castle